Let It Ride is a captivating poker-based online casino game that combines strategy with chance, offering players the opportunity to build a winning hand against a pay table rather than opponents. In this article, you’ll learn the mechanics of the game, from the initial setup and betting structure to the strategic decisions within each hand. You’ll learn how to navigate the unique betting options, understand the payout structures, and explore side bets like the Three Card Bonus. Once you finish this article, you’ll be ready to “Let It Ride” at Hard Rock Bet Casino.
What Is Let It Ride?
Let It Ride is a poker-based casino game where you play against a pay table instead of other players or the dealer. This means you’re trying to make the best five-card poker hand possible to qualify for payouts, not beat anyone else at the table.
The game gets its name from the key decision you’ll make during each hand – the moment when you decide to “let it ride” and keep your bets in play, or pull them back to reduce your risk. Each hand starts with three equal bets. Players get two chances to remove bets as more cards are revealed, making it a unique blend of poker skill and strategic betting.
Let it Ride Table Layout and Setup
The Let It Ride table features three betting circles in front of each player’s seat, each marked with a dollar sign ($), a 1 and a 2. You’ll place your three equal bets in these circles before any cards are dealt. The dealer sits across from the players and controls two community card spots that will be revealed during the hand.
Each player receives three cards face down. The dealer places two cards face down in the community spots. Your three cards, plus the two community cards, are face down in front of the dealer, forming your final poker hand.
Your Goal: Build a Winning Poker Hand
The objective of the game is simple: create a poker hand that ranks as a pair of 10s or better, using all five available cards. Our goal isn’t to beat other players’ hands or the dealer’s hand, you just need to achieve the minimum qualifying hand strength of a pair of 10s or better. The better the hand, the more it pays out.
Let It Ride’s appeal lies in the straightforward goal, combined with the strategic decisions about your bets. You’ll know exactly what you need to win before the hand even starts, making it perfect for players who want poker excitement without the complexity of reading opponents.
How Do You Play Let It Ride?
Playing Let It Ride follows a specific sequence that gives you control over your betting decisions as more information becomes available. Each hand follows the same steps, with two key inflection points where you need to make a decision.
Place Your Three Equal Bets
Before any cards are dealt, you must place three identical bets in the designated circles. For example, if you bet $5 on the first circle, you must also bet $5 on the other two. Hard Rock Bet offers lower minimum bets than retail casinos, making it easier to learn the game without a large bankroll. There is also a 3 card bonus bet that you can place that pays out if you make a hand using the three cards you are dealt.
Once all players have placed their bets, the dealer gives each player three cards face down. You can look at these cards immediately, but the two community cards remain hidden until later in the hand.
First Decision: Pull Back or Let It Ride
After examining your three cards, you face your first big decision in the hand. You can either pull back your first bet (the one in the rightmost circle) or let it ride. This decision should be based on the strength of your starting three cards and their potential to improve.
If you pull the bet back, the dealer will return those chips to you immediately. If you choose to let it ride, that bet stays in the circle and remains at risk for the remainder of the hand.
Second Decision: Final Bet Choice
The dealer now reveals the first community card, giving you four of the five final cards. get another chance to pull back a bet – this time, from the middle betting circle. You can retrieve this second bet regardless of what you did with the first bet.
Your third bet (in the leftmost circle) always stays in play until the end of the hand. The dealer then reveals the final community card, completing your five-card poker hand and determining any payouts based on the bets you left on the table.
Let It Ride Payouts and Winning Hands
Let It Ride uses standard poker hand rankings. A pair of 10s or better qualifies for payouts. The stronger your hand, the higher the payout multiplier applied to each of your remaining bets.
Here’s the standard payout structure you’ll find at most casinos:
- Pair of 10s through Aces: 1 to 1
- Two Pair: 2 to 1
- Three of a Kind: 3 to 1
- Straight: 5 to 1
- Flush: 8 to 1
- Full House: 11 to 1
- Four of a Kind: 50 to 1
- Straight Flush: 200 to 1
- Royal Flush: 1,000 to 1
The key to understanding Let It Ride payouts is that you get paid on every bet you leave in play, which can lead to significant wins when played with an optimal strategy.
If you kept all three bets active and hit a straight, you’d receive 5 to 1 on each of those three bets, effectively multiplying your winnings.
When Should You Pull Back Your Bets?
First Bet Strategy
You should let your first bet ride in these situations with your initial three cards:
- Any paying hand: Pair of 10s or better means you’re already guaranteed a payout
- Three to a straight flush: Any three cards that could become a straight flush (like 7-8-9 of hearts)
- Three to a royal flush: Three cards to the ultimate poker hand
- Three suited cards in sequence: Connected cards of the same suit with straight potential
For all other starting hands, you should pull back your first bet. This includes low pairs (9s and below), unsuited high cards, and hands with little improvement potential.
Second Bet Strategy
After seeing the fourth card, your decision becomes more refined. Let your second bet ride when you have:
- Any paying hand: You’ve already qualified for a payout
- Four to a flush: Four cards of the same suit with one card to come
- Four to an outside straight: Four cards that can complete a straight with cards on either end
- Four to a straight flush: Four cards to the premium hand
Pull back your second bet if you haven’t improved to one of these situations. Remember, you’re looking for hands that have a legitimate chance to reach a pair of 10s or better with just one card remaining.
Three Card Bonus and Side Bets
Many Let It Ride tables, including live dealer versions, offer a Three Card Bonus side bet that operates independently of your main game decisions. This optional wager pays based solely on the poker value of your initial three cards, regardless of how the community cards turn out.
The Three Card Bonus typically pays for any pair or better among your first three cards, with higher payouts for premium three-card hands like straights, flushes, and three of a kind. Since this bet resolves immediately after you receive your cards, it adds extra excitement to the opening moments of each hand.
You can win both your main Let It Ride bets and the Three Card Bonus on the same hand, creating multiple ways to profit from strong starting cards. However, the side bet is completely separate – you could lose your main game but still collect on the bonus, or vice versa.
Play Let It Ride at Hard Rock Bet Casino
Hard Rock Bet Casino brings the excitement of Let It Ride directly to your mobile device or computer, letting you master the game’s strategy in the comfort of your own home. The online format makes it easy to take your time with decisions and learn the proper betting strategy without feeling rushed.
Playing online also connects you to Hard Rock Bet’s Unity rewards program, where every bet earns points toward exclusive perks and experiences. You’ll have access to over 3,000 casino games beyond Let It Ride, including slots and live dealer games, creating a complete entertainment destination that captures the legendary Hard Rock experience.
Being able to play from the comfort of your own home means you can practice your approach to the game during short breaks or longer gaming sessions, all while earning rewards that enhance your overall Hard Rock Bet experience. With low introductory wagering limits, Hard Rock Bet provides the perfect environment to enjoy this classic poker variant.
FAQ about Let it Ride
Below we’ve put together a few questions and answers about Let it Ride.
What is Let It Ride?
Let It Ride is a poker-based table game where players use three player cards plus two community cards to create the best five card poker hand. You are not competing against the dealer. You are only trying to make a qualifying winning hand.
How do you play Let It Ride?
You begin by placing three equal wagers. You receive three cards and will use two community cards revealed later to form your final hand. During the hand you have two opportunities to remove one of your initial wagers or keep it in play.
What is the most common side bet in Let it Ride?
The Let It Ride 3 Card Bonus is an optional side bet that pays out based solely on the strength of your three initial cards, regardless of how the rest of the hand plays out. Any pair wins with payouts going up from there.
What are the payouts in Let it Ride?
The payouts for Let it Ride are as follows:
- Royal Flush: 1000 to 1
- Straight Flush: 200 to 1
- Four of a Kind: 50 to 1
- Full House: 11 to 1
- Flush: 8 to 1
- Straight: 5 to 1
- Three of a Kind: 3 to 1
- Two Pair: 2 to 1
- Pair of 10s or Better: 1 to 1
What are the payouts for the 3 card bonus in Let it Ride?
The payouts for the 3 card bonus in Let it Ride are as follows:
- Mini Royal- 200:1
- Straight Flush- 40:1
- Three of a Kind- 30:1
- Straight- 6:1
- Flush- 3:1
- Pair- 1:1
Is strategy important in Let It Ride?
Yes. Basic strategy recommends letting bets stay in play when your starting hand has strong potential. Examples include three cards to a Royal Flush, three cards to a Straight Flush, or any high pair.
Can I play Let It Ride on mobile devices?
Yes. Hard Rock Bets offers full mobile support. You can play on smartphones and tablets with optimized controls and easy access to decision buttons.
Is Let it Ride hard to learn?
No. Let It Ride is easy to learn because the game uses standard poker hand rankings and simple decision points. Most players understand the basics after a few hands.
What are the bets in Let It Ride?
You start with three equal wagers. These are commonly referred to as Bet 1, Bet 2, and Bet 3. You may pull back Bet 1 and Bet 2 during the game, while Bet 3 always stays active until the hand is over.
